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“The time available to operationalise critical proposals that expand participation, especially through the Reserved Seats Bill for…”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists and social media influencers in Sokoto State to step up efforts in public enlightenment as part of renewed moves to eradicate polio. The call was made during a one-day mass mobilisation dialogue organised by UNICEF to galvanise media support ahead of the next round of polio […]

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has vowed that the gunmen involved in the incessant killings and kidnappings in the state will be flushed out.

Aiyedatiwa, who assured residents of the affected communities of safety, stressed that innocent lives will not be allowed to be wasted under any guise.

The governor spoke during a condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe.

Some communities in Akure North Local Government, such as Igushin, Ilado and Imafon, had in the past few days recorded attacks by gunmen. A female farmer and her daughter were killed and a young man who resisted an abduction attempt was shot.

Aiyedatiwa, who sympathized with the bereaved families in the state, disclosed that no stone will be left unturned towards restoring calm and safeguarding lives and property.

According to the governor, security agencies in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes have been directed to secure the forests as well as adjoining communities.

While calling for collective action, the governor urged residents, particularly youths, elders, hunters and vigilantes, to cooperate with security agencies.

He also warned against harbouring criminals, noting that such actions undermine efforts to combat insecurity through the leakage of vital information.

Ondo attacks: Aiyedatiwa declares war on gunmen

Former Oyo State First Lady and ambassador-designate to Austria, Florence Ajimobi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebowale Ogundoyin, have dismissed allegations linking them to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.

In separate reactions on Tuesday, the trio described the claims as false, politically motivated, and aimed at creating tension within the state’s political leadership.

In a statement issued by her media office, Ajimobi described allegations linking her to a purported financial inducement scheme targeted at influencing lawmakers to impeach Makinde as “entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate act of disinformation.”

She denied hosting or participating in any meeting, whether in Lagos or elsewhere, where discussions on impeachment or destabilisation of the Oyo State Government were allegedly held.

“At no time did I convene, attend, or participate in any such meeting with any individual or group for the purpose of discussing impeachment or destabilising the Oyo State Government,” the statement read.

The former First Lady further described the allegations as politically motivated, aimed at discrediting her reputation among residents of Oyo State and beyond.

“Any attempt to associate my name with such a plot is purely mischievous and a deliberate act of character assassination,” she said, adding that she would not be distracted by what she termed unfounded claims.

Ajimobi also clarified that she has no involvement in the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, noting that her focus remains on humanitarian and professional engagements.

THE WHISTLER gathered that the allegations stem from reports claiming that Ogundoyin met with Ladoja and Ajimobi in a bid to orchestrate the impeachment of the governor.

The controversy comes amid rising political tension in the state, following claims by former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, who alleged that Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan.

Reacting to the reports, Ogundoyin acknowledged that he was offered monetary inducement to facilitate the impeachment of the governor but said he rejected the offer outright.

“I was offered monetary inducement, but I declined without hesitation because no amount of money can buy my conscience or compromise my loyalty to the Governor, the party, and the people we were elected to serve,” he said.

The Speaker, who had also faced allegations of collecting funds from proxies of the All Progressives Congress to execute the alleged plot, denied that any money exchanged hands, insisting the claims were fabricated to tarnish his image and create division.

“I remain fully committed to upholding the integrity of this House and will not be part of any agenda aimed at destabilising the government,” he added.

Ogundoyin further reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde and the ruling party, stating that attempts to create friction between the legislative and executive arms would fail.

“No one will succeed in driving a wedge between me and the administration or derail the collective mandate we were elected to uphold,” he said.

Addressing reports about his visit to Ladoja, the Speaker clarified that the meeting was purely traditional and consultative, explaining that he visited the monarch to inform him of his governorship ambition and seek his blessings.

According to him, the visit occurred weeks before the controversy and was rooted in respect for tradition, not political scheming.

He urged the public to disregard what he described as coordinated efforts to sow discord within the state’s leadership.

On his part, Ladoja warned political actors against dragging the traditional institution into partisan matters, insisting that he is not a politician.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch described the allegations as baseless and unfounded, stressing that a traditional ruler has no constitutional power to impeach a sitting governor.

“You don’t have to be a former Governor or distinguished Senator to know that a monarch has no power to impeach a Local Government Chairman, not to talk of a State Governor,” the statement read.

He cautioned against attempts to involve the throne in what he described as “dirty politics,” urging restraint among political actors in the state.

Ajimobi, Ladoja, Ogundoyin Deny Role In Makinde Impeachment Plot is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Buba Galadima, has said that there is no way out for the All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Galadima, a former frontline member of the APC and New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, said that even a corpse can defeat President Tinubu in 2027.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has failed woefully and has absolutely nothing to campaign with in the coming election.

Addressing congress members during the ADC National Congress held in Abuja on Tuesday, Galadima said the APC government has tried to destroy every opposition in the country.

“The APC, and it’s government has tried to destroy the PDP, the SDP, the NNPP, the Labour Party and indeed the ADC,” he said.

“But what I want to remind them of is that even if there is no living human being in Nigeria, and we bring a corpse, a corpse in a coffin, and put him against President Tinubu, I assure you that that corpse will win the elections in 2027.

“So any attempt to intimidate or to frustrate us, we must stand and say, No.

“It is only our No, and it is only our resilience, our boldness and our courage that will deliver us from this mafioso people in government.”

The ADC held its national congress in Abuja on Tuesday.

2027: Even a corpse will defeat Tinubu – ADC chieftain, Buba Galadima

After an inconsistent start to the new MLS season, Javier Mascherano has resigned as head coach of Inter Miami CF with immediate effect.

Messi, his former Argentina teammate, plays for Inter Miami, which is owned by former Manchester United player David Beckham.

Mascherano, however, cited personal reasons in a statement issued by the club on Tuesday, but the club has seen a dip in form with more losses than victories in the MLS.

Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Los Angeles in the league’s opener and was knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville.

The club has drawn three of the last four league games and sits 10th in the 30-team league table.

However, Mascherano departs after a landmark first season in charge that saw them claim their first-ever MLS Cup title and deliver one of the most dominant campaigns in league history.

In an official statement on the club’s website, Mascherano expressed gratitude to the organisation, players, staff, and fans.

“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organisation for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.

“I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them. I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the club all the best moving forward.

“I have no doubt that the club will continue to achieve success in the future. Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything.”

Managing owner Jorge Mas paid tribute to Mascherano’s impact, saying, “Javier will forever be part of this club’s history and will always hold a special place in the Inter Miami CF family.

“Not only for being a key part of unforgettable achievements, such as winning the MLS Cup and the team’s historic performance at the Club World Cup, but also for the example he set through his dedication and daily work leading the team.

“We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed, wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future.”

Mascherano, who took over in January 2025 with no prior senior managerial experience, transformed Inter Miami into champions.

In his debut season, he guided the team to the MLS Cup title and the Eastern Conference championship.

The 2025 campaign was record-breaking, with Miami scoring a combined 101 goals across regular season and postseason play.

On the international stage, Mascherano led Inter Miami to historic milestones at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they became the first MLS side to reach the knockout rounds.

Messi’s Inter Miami In Crisis, Coach Resigns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Now Spor commentator, Tugay Kerimoğlu, has fired a warning to Galatasaray over their striker Victor Osimhen.

Kerimoğlu warned Galatasaray to learn how to play without Osimhen in the squad.

Osimhen is currently recovering from a hand injury he picked up against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

In his absence, Galatasaray recently played a 1-1 draw with Kocaelispor over the weekend, dropping two points in the Turkish Super Lig table.

Galatasaray is now two points ahead of second-position Fenerbahçe on the log.

“As of today, there’s clearly an issue with Icardi. Could there be a better time to win Icardi back? You can start with Icardi at home,” Kerimoğlu said as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

“I don’t think it’s right to forget about the other players because of one player. When Osimhen leaves, do you have a chance to find another Osimhen? You have to play the games without Osimhen.

“I think opponents know Galatasaray’s weaknesses. They have learned that their midfield is their heart. They have figured out where to press, how to direct the play, and where to deliver the ball.”

Turkey: When Osimhen leaves, can you find another – Kerimoğlu fires warning to Galatasaray

Following warnings from the Federal Ministry of Environment predicting heavy rainfall in parts of the country, the Osun State Government has outlined steps being taken to mitigate potential flooding following an alert issued by federal authorities.

According to the Ministry, the anticipated downpour is expected between April 13 and April 17, raising concerns over possible flooding in vulnerable areas.

Communities identified as at risk in Osun include Ilesa, Iragbiji, Osogbo and Otan Ayegbaju.

Osun State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, in a statement in Tuesday said proactive measures had already been activated.

He explained that drainage systems across the state are undergoing routine desilting to ensure free flow of water adding that rivers and waterways are also being dredged ahead of the rainy season.

Adejoorin said, “The drainages are being desilted as constantly as necessary to prevent any blockage that could lead to flooding.

“The aim is to remove waste and debris that may obstruct water channels and to allow free flow.”

The commissioner disclosed that public awareness campaigns have been intensified to discourage improper waste disposal and warned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels, noting that such practices contribute significantly to flooding.

“Awareness campaigns are ongoing to caution people against dumping refuse along waterways and channels,” Adejoorin said.

He noted that enforcement measures, including fines and possible prosecution, are in place to ensure compliance.

The commissioner who revealed that the state had recorded minimal flooding incidents in recent years attributed this to sustained environmental management efforts and government support for sanitation initiatives.

Adejoorin said, “In the past three years, we have not experienced serious flooding due to consistent intervention and adequate funding.”

Residents have been urged to cooperate with authorities and adhere to environmental guidelines during the rainy season.

The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through preventive strategies.

He added that monitoring teams have been deployed to assess high-risk areas and respond promptly to emerging threats.

Osun intensifies flood prevention measures following FG warning

A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Manuchim Umezuruike, has defected from the All progressive Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, months after joining the ruling party.

It was gathered that the lawmaker is currently attending the ADC convention in Abuja.

Umezuruike, an ally of Governor Sim Fubara during the political crisis in Rivers State, was part of the four Rep members who defected to the APC to support the governor in his bid to take over the structure of the party in Rivers State.

The other Rep members who defected with him to the APC in December 2025 are Boniface Emerengwa, Awaji Abiante, and Boma Goodhead.

It was gathered that none of them may secure a return ticket, allegedly due to their backing of Governor Fubara over FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during the Rivers political crisis.

Rivers: Fubara’s ally defects from APC to ADC

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has convened a strategic meeting with